Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. http://www.BestForBride.com
Few couples are bold enough to experiment with bright and big splashes of color, when planning their wedding day. We, however, believe that weddings deserve to be celebrated with great pomp and show. After all, they are a once-in-a-lifetime affair.
Bright colors add a festive note to any regular event. Colorful wedding themes have a distinct personality that make them memorable. So, we think bright pops of colors are exuberant and cheerful, and are perfect to create a joyous vibe for the new chapter of your life.
So, here are some ideas to add a stunning dash of color to your wedding day. Even if you choose a sophisticated wedding color theme, borrow some of these ideas to add a refreshing pop or color to the scheme.
Shopping for your wedding dress is only half the work. Alterations are the next essential step to get your dress ready for your wedding day.
Although wedding dress alterations are not as complicated as wedding dress shopping, they present their own set of challenges. Preparing for the task in advance will help you get the best results. From our experience of many years in providing alteration services to brides, we have compiled this list of the important do’s and don’ts to help you ensure your alteration services progress smoothly. Take a look at what they are.
DO select a service that specializes in wedding dress alterations
It isn’t wise to entrust your wedding dress alteration to anyone other than a professional seamstress who specializes in wedding dress alterations. Unlike regular dresses, wedding gowns are complex garments. Not all tailors are adept at handling the complexity of such garments. They may also not have the tools to handle this task. So, you risk the outcome unless the dress has a simple silhouette and or simple details when you ask a regular tailor to do your alteration.
DON’T forget to check reviews
Wedding dress alterations are expensive. However, if the task is done well, it is worth every penny you spend. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Before you finalize a person for the job, make sure you check their reviews. Experienced and professional alteration services will have happy customers who provide good feedback. Also check around for recommendations from family and friends. Finally, don’t be hesitant to ask for samples of previous work from the alteration service provider, if you are unsure.
DO set aside enough time to complete all the fittings properly
Rush jobs often result in poor results. So, set aside enough time to properly complete your alterations. You will usually need two to three fitting appointments to complete the task. Make your first appointment at least six weeks before your wedding date. Schedule the rest of the appointments after consulting your seamstress. Make sure that your appointments are spaced well, so that your tailor has enough time between sessions to complete the intended tasks on time. Follow this wedding dress shopping timeline on the Knot for best results.
DON’T forget to factor in the budget for alterations
When you plan your wedding dress budget, don’t forget to include the cost of alterations. The expenses will depend on the size of dress you buy and the changes you desire. Some types of alterations are more expensive than others. For instance, custom changes like extra embroidery, moving of the hemline to another height or adding extra fabric to a dress can amount to a decent amount. Account for alterations into your planned dress budget, and you needn’t worry about your dress costing more than you anticipate.
DO schedule your final fitting closer to the wedding date
Your wedding dress is supposed to be perfectly fitted to your exact measurements. It is highly unlikely that you will retain the same shape or weight throughout your engagement, especially if you intend to lose weight in time for the wedding. Although you should schedule your fitting sessions weeks early, plan the last one just a week or two before your wedding day. This will allow your seamstress to fit the dress to your exact measurements so it drapes perfectly on your special day.
DON’T get the size wrong
If you are on a major weight loss program, it is important that you switch to a maintenance program at least two weeks before your wedding day. Accept how your body is at the time, and have your dress adjusted to the exact measurements. It isn’t likely that you will lose considerable weight during the time left. And if you do, you won’t look great in a dress that just hangs loosely off your frame. So, once your last dress fitting is done, say goodbye to your weight loss plans as well.
TIP: When you go dress shopping, never select a dress that is smaller than your actual size. Although you are sure to lose weight and fit into it in the months that come, it is a risk. If you do, your tailor can take in the extra inches and make it fit you correctly. However, if you don’t lose weight as intended, it is extremely difficult to add extra inches to a gown. This can ruin the finishing of the dress and hence isn’t advisable.
DO take the suggestions of your professional seamstress seriously
Your tailor will have had enough experience in carrying out alterations. So, she ought to give you the best possible advice regarding custom changes and size alterations. Go with her suggestions and don’t compel her to make changes she thinks aren’t possible. Remember that your seamstress can weigh several factors like fabric quality, placement of embellishments, your body type etc to figure out what changes are right and what aren’t. Accept her suggestions and choose to do alterations that she thinks will fit you best.
DON’T rush with custom changes or they can end up as a mess
It is possible that you want to make your dress truly unique through custom changes that alter the appearance of the dress entirely. If you decide to do this, remember that this usually involves more work than regular dress fittings. Discuss the necessary time with your seamstress and schedule your appointments accordingly. Make sure you leave enough buffer time before the wedding day to make sure the dress is ready and complete with all necessary alterations in time for your wedding.
DO remember to wear your wedding shoes to your alteration session
One of the things you should get right at your wedding dress fitting is the hemline of the dress. A hemline that is too long is an invitation for disaster. It can cause you to trip and fall, apart from making your dress look less than perfect. On the other hand, a dress that is too high ruins the entire bridal look. A floor-length gown should simply graze the ground as you walk. The height of your heels affects this greatly. Your dress can end up being too short or too long depending on the heel height. So, wear them to your dress alteration session.
Make sure you go shopping for your shoes soon after you complete dress shopping, so they are ready to try on by the time of your alterations. If the original shoes aren’t available, at least wear a pair with the same heel height that you intend to wear on your wedding day.
DON’T take too many people with you when you attend your fitting session
You may be tempted to invite your friends, bridesmaids and family to your fitting session. However, this isn’t a great idea. Not only can this be a distraction, it will also spoil the surprise of how you will look as a bride. Ask just a bridesmaid or your mother to come along to your alteration. Entrust the task of learning how to bustle your dress to this person. You can communicate what you want with your tailor on your own, and leave the rest of the work to her to handle.
DON’T hesitate to speak up your mind
Although you may not know much about wedding dress alterations and the details it involves, you should openly discuss your ideas with the tailor. Be flexible with your ideas and let her make suggestions that you may not have thought of. If you aren’t happy with the suggestions your seamstress makes, discuss this with her. This will allow her to make other suggestions that appeal better to you. In either case, open communication will allow you to clarify your doubts and find a dress that fits your vision perfect.
DO make sure you can comfortably move in your dress after it fits correctly
Alterations are intended to make sure the dress fits you closely. It should match your exact measurements, so the dress drapes on your figure without any bits hanging loose or bulging anywhere. While the dress ought to fit you like a glove, it is nonetheless necessary that you be able to move around in it. It shouldn’t be too tight that it stifles your movement. You should be able to walk, turn around and dance in it. Make sure this is possible at each of your dress alteration sessions. This is very important especially if your dress silhouette is a snug-fitting one like the mermaid, that tapers towards the feet and constricts free movement.
DON’T forget to check how the overall look comes together at the final session
Make sure that the big reveal on your wedding day is perfect, by checking it out for yourself at your fitting session. Book your hair and makeup trial on this day. Head to your bridal boutique after getting your hairstyle and makeup done as you would on your wedding day. When you try your dress on, you can see how the overall look comes together. This gives you the opportunity to tweak or change your style if you deem it necessary.
DO learn how to bustle your dress during the fitting
Bustling your wedding dress is a complex, but essential part of your wedding day. Ask your maid of honor or another bridesmaid to understand how to do it correctly after the wedding ceremony. For this, ask her to accompany you to one of your fitting sessions. Your seamstress can demonstrate the process and teach her how to do it correctly. If there are any questions or concerns, this opportunity will also allow you to clarify it and get it done without issues on your wedding day.
DON’T forget to wear the right undergarments to your fitting session
If your wedding gown must fit you exactly, it is important that you wear the same undergarments to the fitting sessions as you would on your wedding. Find perfectly fitting, functional undergarments that create the right silhouette, for this purpose. Make sure that it doesn’t show from beneath the white color of your wedding dress. It is advisable to pick nude colors for this. Wear it to your fitting sessions, so your seamstress can alter the measurements correctly based on this factor.
DO find a reliable pressing and steaming service for your destination wedding
If your wedding is at a faraway destination, you will have to travel with your gown. Handling the gown during the journey can cause wrinkles, especially if the fabric is stiff and structured. Locate a reliable steaming and pressing service at your destination. They can get the wrinkles out and refresh your dress after the long journey. If you are lucky and the wrinkles are minimum, you can get them out by hanging it in a steamy bathroom.
TIP: If you must travel with your wedding dress, choose one with lightweight, breathable fabric that does not wrinkle easily. Also keep the embellishments to a minimum to avoid the chances of damage to it. For more ideas on how to pick the right dress for your destination wedding, take a look at this article on the Brides website.
DON’T forget to check your dress for any signs of damage that need to be addressed
Take a close look at your wedding dress before the conclusion of every session to make sure it is free from damage. If you find any stains, tears, frayed threads or embellishments that come off, have the damage rectified at your fitting session. Don’t overlook this step at this stage. It will not be easy to have it fixed if you discover such damages later, if you find it on your wedding day.
Tailors specializing in wedding dress alterations have the expertise to do dress alterations. Stores like Best for Bride that offer custom wedding dress designs will have seamstresses with experience in custom stitching of wedding dresses. This will help greatly in ensuring a better finish for your completed wedding dress. Check out our alteration service at Best for Bride and the price rate for each change at this link to our website.
There are many ways you can wear your hair on your wedding day. Irrespective of whether you let your hair secure or let it flow freely, hair accessories can enhance the impact of your bridal hairstyle. More importantly, they are the crowning glory that allows you to stand out in the wedding scene.
The veil has always been a traditional wedding hair accessory. However, there are more accessories that brides use to enhance their bridal look. Today, we will take a detailed look at these different accessories. But before that, let us discuss about the different factors to consider when choosing your bridal hair accessory.
Factors to consider when choosing your bridal hair accessory
The bridal hair accessory is just one component of your wedding day look. Nonetheless, it is important, as it determines how your overall look turns out. Hence, choose your bridal hair accessory with care.
Here are the different factors to consider when choosing it.
Your wedding dress: One rule to follow when you choose wedding accessories is that your dress and accessories should come together. You will find it easier to find accessories that match a wedding dress, than the other way around. So, start you search for the right hair accessory only after you buy your wedding dress. Then, choose accessories that complement your dress style for the best results.
Facial structure: The right choice of hair accessories will enhance and draw attention to your best assets. Choose the right headpiece that is suitable for your face shape. For instance, pointed tiaras look good on round faces while flat headbands look best on square and oval faces.
Length and color of hair: Your headpiece should be visible to onlookers. Choose the right metal and embellishments that stand out against your hair color. For dark hair, most hair accessories are suitable. However, if you have light-coloured hair, pick pieces that differ from the color of your hair. Different types of headbands are ideal for different hair lengths. While most accessories work for long hair, dainty accessories look good on hair of short or medium length.
Wedding day hairstyle: With the wide variety of hair accessories available in the market, you have ample choice. Depending on whether you plan to leave your hair down or secure it in an updo, pick accessories that draw attention to the details in your hairstyle. If you have short hair, you can choose hair accessories so they are the focal point of the hairstyle. In this case, this element can transform a basic hairstyle to one that instantly wows!
Wedding style: Certain accessories suit certain themes better than others. For instance, oversize floral crowns look better at casual weddings than at formal ceremonies. When you go shopping for wedding accessories, choose ones that will look good in the venue. It should also blend well with the theme. Only then will you look like a bride that belongs.
The rest of the wedding jewelry and embellishments: Your hair accessories should work well with your wedding dress and complement your jewelry. Keep the rest of your jewelry simple if your hair accessory is ornate and elaborate. However, if you pick statement jewelry pieces, choose dainty head pieces that will not clash with the rest of your jewelry.
Pay attention to these rules of accessorizing your hair, and you will dress in style with your hair accessory being the crowning glory of your look. And what are the different options available to you in the form of hair accessories? Let us find out now.
The different bridal hair accessories
Bridal tiaras
A bridal tiara is a stunning choice if your dress has crystal accents or is relatively simple. Tiaras with pearls or crystal details go well with most wedding dress styles. This hair accessory is a statement piece; there are a few other occasions when you can flaunt one.
A tiara is a formal piece of jewelry. Hence,it suits traditional and opulent wedding themes very well. When wearing a tiara, don’t add too many other pieces or you will end up with a cluttered look. Pair it with simple studs and a thin pendant or necklace that doesn’t compete with it.
Tiaras come in different shapes, sizes and styles. These include the wishbone, regal style, double band, bun wrap, headband and wreath. Please consider where and how you pin it to achieve the right effect. A tiara placed at the crown will look entirely different from one pinned above a bun. For more valuable advice on choosing and wearing a tiara for your special day, visit this article on Wedding Ideas Mag.
Headbands
The headband is one of the most versatile types of hair accessories. It works on most hair lengths and complements almost every face shape. You can pair it with most hairstyles; it has always been a trendy accessory.
Headbands come in various sizes and shapes. You will also find that they feature various embellishments, making it easy to find one that fits your wedding day style. Wedding headbands may contain rhinestones, crystals, metals, lace and even feathers.
Headbands are the ideal choice to keep your hair away from your face. They also add an exciting touch of sophistication and sparkle to simple, open hairstyles. You will find classic, modern, Bohoand even colourful headbands.
Hair combs
If you plan to lock your tresses in a bun or similar hairstyle, hair combs are an excellent accessory to enhance your hairstyle. These accessories come with embellishments on the top of a comb, and are inserted into a portion of the hair. They will stay in place, and also keep the hair pinned down.
Hair combs may have simple details or elaborate embellishments. Although most bridal combs are embellished with sparkling details, there are also those with feathers, flowers and other dainty details. Hair combs look best when paired with braided hairstyles or updos, since these hairstyles make the details on these accessories more pronounced.
Clips and pins
Hair clips and pins are smaller hair accessories that add sparkle to a hairstyle. The benefit of using these hair accessories is that they can be paired with any hairstyle, however complex or straightforward. They add a romantic, feminine touch and are very pleasing to the eye.
Hair clips use a clasping mechanism and hold the hair in place. They may have a jaw between which they secure the hair strands. Hair pins are pushed into position, with the lower half concealed within the strands of hair while the upper portion is visible.
Choose hair clips or pins that match the embellishments in your dress by picking out flowers, stars or similar motifs that repeat on your dress. You can also add a dash of color to your hairstyle by using hair pins with colourful embellishments. These are small enough to add just a subtle dose of colour without overwhelming presence.
Fascinators
Fascinators are bold and beautiful accents to fancy hairstyles. They add a lively flourish of details to your hair. These accessories also draw attention to your facial features. Most fascinators are impressive with attractive embellishments like feathers, flowers, net, lace and faux flowers.
Ideally suited for Boho, retro and vintage style wedding themes, you will not need any other accessory to complete your look when you wear a fascinator. Fascinators are suitable for most hair lengths. Choose one that works well with the proportions of your face, and enjoy a unique look that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Floral crowns
Big or small, floral crowns are a wonderful accessory to enhance your bridal look manifold. They are very easy-to-wear accessories that instantly add a punch to any style. This article on the Brides website suggests that it can be used as a statement accessory. Moreover, flower crowns and veils are a match made in heaven. You do not have to give one up for the sake of the other.
Although floral crowns look best at outdoor weddings in spring and summer, they are also suitable for the cooler season. Delicate blooms like baby breath and daisies add a soft, romantic touch, while large floral crowns add a Bohemian touch.
Trust your florist to fashion a floral crown that goes well with your wedding theme, bridal bouquet and bridal dress. Alternatively, you can also make it yourself if you are crafty. Ensure you choose hardy blooms that will not wilt easily so your floral crown stays fresh for longer. Alternately, have one made from fabric or paper flowers. Such a crown will not become shabby or wilt over time. You can also save it as a valuable keepsake.
Flowers
Fresh flowers are a refreshing and attractive addition to any bridal hairstyle. Flowers in your hair are perfect for a romantic, dreamy wedding day look.
There are many ways in which you can wear flowers in your hair. You can position it in different locations to achieve the intended effect. The size, color and quality of blooms will determine the impact of your hairstyle. From simply pinning flowers into your hairdo to weaving it into a braid, there are several ways in which you can add flowers to your hair.
A few flowers tucked into the hair look classic. You can also wrap garlands around your hair or use individual blooms to substitute hairpins. For more ideas on using flowers as your hair accessory, visit this article on the Knot website.
Hair vines
Bridal hair vines are whimsical, adding subtle glamour to any hairstyle. They create a dramatic effect and look amazing when paired with braided hairstyles. Hair vines can easily be inserted into your tresses, adding a hint of sparkle to a simple hairstyle.
Hair vines are usually made with Swarovski crystals, enamel details, faux silk flowers or similar embellishments. These accessories have a natural effect that isn’t overpowering. It is suitable for both formal and informal wedding styles and you can wear it at any position on your head.
Veils
Although veils are short pieces of fabric, they create a bridal look instantly. Hence, this traditional and classic wedding hair accessory is closely associated with the bridal trousseau. They come in various lengths and can be made of different materials.
The fabric, length and style determine the impact of the veil. Some veils are better suited for formal weddings than informal wedding styles. Veils also have the power to transform your overall bridal look and tie it to the theme. For instance, a birdcage veil suits a vintage wedding, whereas a long cathedral veil looks amazing at a church wedding.
Look at this previous article for a comprehensive guide to the different types of veils available, and find out what is best suited to your needs.
Hats
A wedding hat is a unique accessory that not all brides are bold enough to try. However, this is a definite option if you are searching for something original. Hats are practical and functional for outdoor weddings. You may even find hats the right choice for cowboy and retro wedding themes. While a hat is a statement accessory like a fascinator, miniature versions pair well with birdcage veils for a stunning combination.
Now tell us, which of these is your preferred choice? At Best for Bride, we have a wide range of bridal hair accessories to add the finishing touches to your bridal look. Visit us in-store or at our gallery here to discover the different options and pick your favourite.
Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting wedding planning tasks for a bride. We like to think of it as a wonderful and unique journey where brides explore diverse options and finally find a magical dress that transforms them into the beautiful brides they always wanted to be.
However, the path to finding this one and the only perfect wedding dress is not simple. It is fraught with challenges and the options are endless. So, it is essential to plan for the task and avoid drowning in the endless variety of dresses presented to you.
Over the next chapters, we will tell you what to expect at each stage leading to wedding dress shopping. We will also tell you how to navigate potential issues so you can enjoy the shopping experience, just like you deserve to.
